While a certain amount of stress is normal (and even healthy), long-term, chronic stress can have a serious impact on your emotional and physical health.
Emotional Symptoms of stress can include:
- irritability
- anxiety
- and depression
Physical Symptoms of stress can include:
- low energy
- headaches
- insomnia
- upset stomach
- and frequent colds
Stress can affect our cognition, leading to forgetfulness and an inability to focus. It can also negatively impact our behaviour: trying to cope using food, alcohol, drugs or cigarettes.
One quick thing you can do to counteract stress is to give someone a good hug. This has been shown to release oxytocin, which may reduce anxiety, cardiac stress and depression. Give a friend, partner, family member or pet a hug. It will benefit you both.
If you would like to receive more easy tips to reduce stress, please fill in the form below and have them delivered to your inbox.
